The Narrow Gate

Matthew 5-7 

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it…Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 7:13, 14, 21

What makes entrance to the kingdom of heaven so challenging to find?

There seem to be people in every corner of society, including our media, who are offering a plan of salvation and a way to find life. The will of the Father is often opposite to our self-willed independent thinking. When Jesus invites us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him, he is inviting us through the narrow gate. This gate is Jesus; he is the way, the truth, and the life. Only as we die to ourselves and the self-indulgent life of sin and receive Jesus are we saved. Just because salvation has been defined as the fulfillment of self and a wonderful way to have our sins forgiven, doesn’t mean it’s the pathway to life. Although there may be many people following a cost-free gospel, this doesn’t make it right. Enter through the narrow, small door with repentance, brokenness, and humility; therein is life.

“Thank you Jesus, for your life-transforming gospel of grace and surrender.”